Guide for owners asked to use a home or business for filming
Not legal, tax or insurance advice. This page collects questions and cautions from film offices and one public forum thread. Have a lawyer or your insurer review any agreement, and check local rules and your lease or HOA.
Questions to ask before you say yes
- What type of production is it, who is the production company, and what is the title?
- How many shooting days, what hours, and are there prep and wrap days?
- How many people and vehicles; where will they park and where will catering go?
- Will furniture be moved or the property altered? Any drones, stunts or pyrotechnics?
- Is there a homeowners association, tenants or neighbors who need to be told?
Paperwork owners are commonly advised to get in writing
- A signed location agreement covering dates, hours, fees, restoration and what areas are off limits.
- A certificate of insurance that names the property owner.
- A designated site representative and before-and-after photos of the property.
Beware of fake scouts
Film offices and news outlets have published warnings about fake location scouts and casting/crew scams. If someone you do not know asks to visit your property, check who they are with your local or state film office or by calling the production company at a number you found yourself. See the linked pages for each office's own advice.
- Pittsburgh Film Office: Contacted by a location scout?
- Greater Cleveland Film Commission: Beware of scams
- LAist: faux film location scouts burglary scam
Where owners can ask about being listed
- Vermont: Film in VT describes its database as a tool to connect locations, crew members and productions. source
- Maine: The Maine Film Office invites Maine residents and businesses to list a property in its Locations Library. source
Other states and private marketplaces have their own listing terms; read them carefully. We do not run a marketplace and do not list or rate private properties. See also your state film office.